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KEY WEST - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Reach Resort to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The property is
the 16th to be designated in the Florida Keys and the 215th in the state. The
voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with free technical
assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices
that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
“DEP is pleased to recognize The Reach Resort for implementing practices that
will conserve resources while still providing their guests with a rewarding
experience in beautiful Key West,” said DEP South District Branch Office Manager
Gus Rios.
To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels
must implement a variety of green practices. These practices include, but are
not limited to, water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures,
a linen reuse program, energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY STAR®
appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by
providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing
recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated
members of the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green cleaners and
high efficiency air filters.
“The Reach is committed to preserving the stunning natural habitats and
environs of the Florida Keys,” said Kevin Speidel, General Manager of The Reach
Resort. “We’ve implemented green policies throughout all areas of the resort –
from guest recycling programs to energy management, water conservation, clean
air filters and more – which not only reduces our environmental impact, but also
further enhances the resort’s recent design renovations.”
Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes
environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and
prevent pollution. In 2007 Governor Crist signed three executive orders
initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies
and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with the Florida
Green Lodging Program designation as of January 1, 2008, whenever possible. With
the addition of The Reach Resort, the program has 234 designated properties and
more than 400 applicants. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging
Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.
DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary,
non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting
the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and
the Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of services including
on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to
citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is
to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for
future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/green/. | 
